The Myth of Doing it All: Understanding Parental Burnout | You Only Know What You Know

Parenting has never been easy, but today’s parents are carrying more than ever before—and the weight is palpable. In this episode of You Only Know What You Know, hosts Beth Hope, LCSW, and Britt Teasdale sit down with Principal Family Therapist Heather Katz, LCSW, to discuss the difference between feeling overwhelmed and experiencing true parental burnout. From the invisible mental load of managing a household to the pressure of work, finances, and social expectations, they unpack why so many parents are running on empty—and why it’s not a personal failure. Beth, Britt, and Heather break down how parental burnout differs from anxiety or depression, including the early emotional, physical, and relational signs to watch for. They also tackle unequal household responsibilities, boundary-setting in a culture that demands more from parents than ever, and how patterns like accommodation can keep family stress cycles going—along with practical strategies to help parents protect their energy and make changes that actually stick. Link to the parent resource guide: https://hubs.ly/Q04kxLy60